The Most Exciting Moment has Arrived

From selecting a lot to designing a unique home there are many highlights but the one that is most exciting for me as a designer is putting up the roof. There are many reasons....a custom home is something that starts with a floor plan - which is relatively easy compared to getting it to look great (the elevation) and actually work for all the bearing loads....that's when I send it off to the engineers. Sometimes the design needs to be altered...but most often it is the magic of engineered beams and trusses that take the vision and makes it possible. That is why today's homes can have so much drama....engineered lumber and trusses. We end up selecting a few bearing points in the custom floor plan and then give those load points additional foundation support. The truss plans will often have girder trusses that combine several trusses for additional strength. The truss company apply plates that actually use the regular lumber and thereby make it structural. SO THE BEST PART is getting the trusses delivered and then having a good sized crew ready for the arrival of the crane. In just a matter of hours the roof trusses are placed and the home takes shape. Now you can walk inside and get a feel for the space. For some reason as the home closes up the rooms get bigger! I think its a matter of perspective...as you go from feeling you are outside to being inside. There is still a LOT OF WORK to do. The roof can take as much time or more than the walls. This roof is quite complicated as it has living space and dormers etc. It will be several weeks before we are ready for the roofing shingles and windows...at which time the home will be "dried in" ...that's the goal...so the weather will no longer be a factor. Enjoy.